One of a kind Lord of The Rings themed Hobbit House. With hidden surprises around every turn. You won’t be able to stop uncovering the small details that will add to your enjoyment of your stay. Almost everything in the house was custom made by the builder to add to the unique charm of the house. From the medieval doors with operable speak easy look throughs and the whiskey barrel cabinets, you don’t want to miss putting this house on your travel bucket list.

Ohiopyle Hobbit House
Entire cabin in Farmington, Pennsylvania, United States

Richard Proenneke was an amateur naturalist who lived alone for nearly thirty years in the mountains of Alaska in a log cabin which he built with his own hands near the shore of Twin Lakes. Proenneke hunted, fished, raised and gathered his own food, and also had supplies flown in occasionally. He documented his activities in journals and on film, and also recorded valuable meteorological and natural data. The journals and film were later used by others to write books and produce documentaries about his time in the wilderness.

Sam Keith, a close friend of Dick Proenneke, wrote: One Man’s Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey – Paperback

Bob Swerer produced the video “Alone in the Wilderness” in 2003. Bob edited more of Dick’s previously unseen footage to create this film of Dick and his adventures in Alaska.

Bob Swerer produced the video “Alaska Silence & Solitude” in 1998. In 1997 Bob Swerer and Bob Swerer Sr flew to Twin Lakes to visit with Dick Proenneke and explore the Twin Lakes region.

Bob Swerer produced the video “The Frozen North” in 2006. Dick Proenneke shot over 3000 feet of 8mm movie film. Bob edited the film and added sound to create this fascinating film of one man living alone in the Alaska wilderness.

Bob Swerer produced the video “ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS PART II” in 2011 after Dick’s brother Raymond discovered more old footage that had never been seen before, which includes more building and carving, canoeing and outstanding wildlife footage.

After serving in the Navy during WWII, Proenneke succumbed to his love of nature and Alaska and moved there in 1950. Proenneke became a well-respected mechanic gaining a reputation as an intelligent, hard worker while employed in the Alaska Fish & Wildlife Service. Saving his money, he retired early and decided on Twin Lakes for his retirement home.

Harvesting logs from a group of Spruce trees nearby his camp, Proenneke set out to build his log cabin alone, by hand, and, he did so in one year’s time. Bone-chilling cold and ghostly silence were enemies that initially pushed back against this endeavor; but Proenneke endured.

Danielle and Kreg Jones, a couple with a passion for historic architecture and home renovation, turned a 19th-century schoolhouse into their family home. In 2021, after five years of searching, they found the North Weare Schoolhouse in New Hampshire. The building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, had a rich history, having served as a school until 1952 and later as a town meeting space. The couple, who run their architecture firm, Inscription Architects, offered $210,000 for the property and began the renovation alongside their son, aiming to pass down Kreg’s hands-on skills. The project took eight months and $220,000 to complete, transforming the schoolhouse into a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home while preserving much of its original character, including the floors, stairways, and even historic carvings left by schoolchildren.

Throughout the renovation, the Jones family remained dedicated to honoring the building’s historic charm while adding personal touches. The home’s large windows, which originally provided light before electricity was available, continue to flood the space with natural light, creating a connection to the outdoors. Despite their history of moving after completing projects, the Joneses feel content in their renovated schoolhouse, describing the space as comfortable and well-proportioned. For them, the process wasn’t just about creating a home but also a shared learning experience with their son. They’ve lived in the house for over three years, with no immediate plans for a new project, enjoying the fruits of their labor in a space that uniquely blends history and modern living.

The Kanna cabin, designed by Laure Friès, serves as a serene fishermen’s retreat along the shores of the Marlens’ water body near the Alps. Its triangular design, standing at 4.5 meters tall, allows anglers an optimal vantage point for fishing, all while blending harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape. Positioned between the Chaise River and the water body, the cabin provides privacy and a seamless connection to the tranquil environment, allowing anglers to enjoy uninterrupted views of the mountains and their reflections in the water. The site’s dynamic topography, lush greenery, and the omnipresence of natural elements like air and water make it an ideal spot for fishermen seeking a deeper connection with nature. The location offers a balance of solitude and the richness of the alpine valley, creating a peaceful setting for fishing and contemplation.

Inspired by the fluid movements of fishing, the Kanna cabin’s design takes cues from casting and retrieving a line. The triangular geometries of the structure mimic the motions of the fishing rod, which can measure up to 2.2 meters, with a flexible yet sturdy build—qualities also reflected in the cabin’s form. The term “Kanna,” derived from the Greek word for a tube or reed, aptly conveys the delicate balance of strength and flexibility that defines both the rod and the retreat. The cabin’s placement, just one meter from the water’s edge, ensures it respects the surrounding aquatic environment while providing anglers a sheltered space to enjoy their craft. Its design not only caters to fishermen but also invites walkers and visitors to experience a unique moment of reflection and harmony with nature.

Snøhetta’s timber school in Kautokeino, Norway, named Čoarvemátta, is a remarkable feat of sustainable architecture, achieving 90% energy self-sufficiency despite the region’s harsh Arctic climate. Located north of the Arctic Circle, where temperatures can plummet to –45 °C, the building serves as a cultural and educational hub for the Sami community, housing the Sami National Theatre Beaivváš and the Sami High School and Reindeer Herding School. The structure’s design is deeply rooted in Sami culture, with the name ‘Čoarvemátta’ symbolizing the strength of reindeer antlers. Built primarily from wood and featuring a vast 53,000-sq-ft sloping roof, the hub incorporates traditional slate from a previous school and boasts a unique branching shape that creates dynamic outdoor spaces. Inside, the design is functional and aesthetically pleasing, with natural wood surfaces complemented by Sami art that adds vibrant touches of red and blue.

The Čoarvemátta building adheres to the Passive House Standard, a stringent green building standard that emphasizes high insulation and airtightness, making it incredibly energy-efficient. The hub’s energy needs are primarily met through an innovative geothermal system comprising 40 geo-wells drilled 250 meters into the ground, which power heat pumps for heating and cooling. On particularly cold days, an electric boiler supplements the system. The landscaping around the building remains true to Sami traditions, avoiding urban park-like spaces and preserving the natural environment. Soil removed during construction was carefully stored and replaced to protect the existing seed stocks, demonstrating the project’s commitment to sustainability and cultural sensitivity.

The Cross Cabin, designed by Moontower Design Build in Austin, Texas, represents a groundbreaking approach to sustainable architecture by eliminating heavily processed or synthesized materials. Completed in 2023, this “plant-based” cabin is a model of holistic design that adheres to the AIA Architecture and Design Materials Pledge. Inspired by Michael Pollan’s “Food Rules,” the cabin employs a carefully curated palette of plant-based materials such as wood,cork, hemp, and wood fiber. These materials, minimally processed to retain their natural qualities, are used throughout the structure, from the cross-laminated timber framing to the cork-clad facade. The result is an architectural experience that deeply engages the senses, with textures, colors, and even smells that evoke a profound connection to nature.

The cabin’s design emphasizes the sensory potential of natural materials, creating an environment that is as tactile and olfactory as it is visual. The cork cladding on the exterior, which changes color with weathering, resembles tree bark and provides a dynamic, natural aesthetic. Inside, the use of cross-laminated timber, solid-sawn lumber, and linseed oil finishes enhances the sensory experience, with each material chosen for its ability to engage touch, sight, and even smell. The absence of synthetic sealants, such as polyurethane, further underscores the cabin’s commitment to a natural living environment. This focus on minimally processed materials not only aligns with sustainable design principles but also offers inhabitants a unique, multi-sensory interaction with the space, making the Cross Cabin a standout example of innovative, nature-inspired architecture.

Tower-style cabin overlooking the lagoon. It has a bedroom with a hot tub, a bathroom, a full gourmet kitchen, barbecue, 300mb fiber optic wifi, Smart TV, fireplace, private pool.

Situated on a 6000m² fenced land with more than 500 native trees, it has the following facilities: firewood stock, orchard, vegetable garden, floor fire pit space, barbecue kiosk, hammock, outdoor gym, picnic space, deck with sun loungers, game room with pool and ping-pong table.

Come and enjoy a space designed to rest in nature and enjoy a paradise view.

A complete and private cabin at the edge of Lagoa da Penguela, in Osório, only 1h15 from Porto Alegre and 30min from the beaches of the northern coast.

The charm is due to the view of the lagoon and the mountains that surround it. The sunset is a spectacle apart.

Whether winter or summer, for a weekend or a season, Atalaya awaits with open arms.

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Nestled in the scenic town of Larkspur, Colorado, a unique two-bedroom home built around a 200-million-year-old red rock is now up for sale, offering a true blend of modern living and natural history. The $989,900 property, known as “The Rock House,” is more than just a residence; it’s a tribute to the geological wonders of the region. With a massive 45-foot-high ancient red boulder integrated into its design, this home is a dream come true for geology enthusiasts or anyone who has ever fantasized about living like the Flintstones. The boulder forms a central part of the house’s interior, making it an iconic feature that brings the outdoors inside, creating a tranquil and grounded living environment.

The 2,432-square-foot home, listed by Keller Williams Action Realty, is designed to immerse its residents in nature while providing modern amenities. The property features stunning “Garden of the Gods”-like surroundings, a private hot tub with Milky Way views, and a serene picnic area. Inside, the home offers a unique blend of rustic charm and contemporary comfort, with the rock extending into the office space to create a calming atmosphere. The layout includes a guest suite with barn doors, a modern bathroom, and a large two-tiered deck for breathtaking views. From the custom iron front doors to the outdoor patio, every element of “The Rock House” emphasizes its connection to the natural landscape, making it a truly one-of-a-kind property.

The Sun Valley tiny home, designed by Ridgeline Tiny Homes in Australia, epitomizes the philosophy that less is more. With its sleek all-black exterior and compact design, this tiny home makes efficient use of its 23.7-foot length and 15.4 square-meter interior. The sloping roof and triple-axle trailer foundation provide both mobility and style, while the abundant glazing ensures that the interior is bathed in natural light. The layout is intentionally simple and practical, featuring a ground-floor bedroom with ample headroom, eliminating the need for a loft. This design choice not only enhances the sense of space but also creates a more comfortable and airy living environment.

Inside, the Sun Valley home balances form and function. The living room is minimalist yet cozy, with a sofa and integrated storage that maximize space. The adjacent kitchen is fully equipped with a sink, a two-burner propane stove, a small fridge, and cabinetry, ensuring all the essentials are within easy reach. The bedroom, connected directly to the kitchen, offers a comfortable double bed with built-in storage and large windows that allow for plenty of natural light. Customization options, such as choices in color, cladding, and cabinetry, further add to the home’s appeal. While details on pricing and availability remain unknown, the Sun Valley tiny home stands as a testament to intelligent design and the efficient use of limited space, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a compact yet thoughtfully crafted living space.